Ledger® Live | Getting Started™ with Ledger®
Welcome! This guide walks you through everything you need to know to begin using your Ledger device safely—without reusing or mirroring official text. Follow the steps carefully, and read the security notes along the way.
1. Before You Start
Make sure you have:
- A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (such as Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax).
- USB / USB‑C cable included in the box.
- Recovery sheets or backup cards (blank slips to record your mnemonic words).
- Access to a computer or mobile device to install the Ledger Live application.
Security Tip: Never download Ledger Live from third‑party sites. Always go to the official Ledger website. Any app or site requesting your 24 recovery words is a scam.
2. Install Ledger Live
On your computer or smartphone, navigate to the official Ledger download portal. Select the version appropriate for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android) and run the installer.
Once installed, launch the Ledger Live app—we’ll refer to it as your “companion interface” throughout this guide.
3. Connect Your Device & Initialize
Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for supported models) and power it on.
The app will ask whether you want to “Set up as new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase”. Choose the appropriate option:
- New device: The device will generate a new 24-word seed phrase you must record securely.
- Restore: Enter your existing 24-word mnemonic to restore your accounts.
4. Set Your PIN and Backup Seed
If you're setting up a new device:
- Choose a PIN code (4 to 8 digits). This PIN protects your device if lost or stolen.
- The device will present 24 words one by one—this is your recovery phrase. Write them down in order on the provided sheets. Never store them digitally.
- The device will ask you to verify select words to confirm you recorded them correctly.
Never share your 24-word seed with anyone—not via email, chat, or phone. Ledger & trustworthy services will never ask for these words.
5. Confirm Device Authenticity
Ledger Live may run a verification procedure to confirm your device is genuine. This can involve cryptographic checks between your device and Ledger’s servers.
Follow the on‑screen prompts and accept on the device when required.
6. Optional: App Password / Lock
You may optionally choose a password or PIN lock for the Ledger Live application itself—this restricts access even if someone opens the app without your hardware device.
On mobile, you might also enable biometric unlocking (face/fingerprint), if supported.
7. Configure Analytics & Crash Reports
Ledger Live allows you to enable or disable sending of anonymous usage analytics and crash reports. These are optional and meant to help improve the app.
You can toggle these settings now or later in the app’s Settings > General section.
8. Install Crypto Apps & Add Accounts
Your hardware wallet communicates with blockchains via separate “apps”—one per supported coin (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
- In Ledger Live, go to Manager. Unlock your device and allow Ledger Live access.
- Search and install the coin apps you need.
- Next, navigate to Accounts > Add Account. Select the coin, confirm on your device, and Ledger Live will fetch your balances and history.
9. Receive and Send Crypto
Receive: Choose an account, click “Receive.” On your device, open the relevant coin app. Verify the address shown on the device matches what Ledger Live displays. Only then share it.
Send: In the app, click “Send,” enter the recipient’s address and amount. Confirm details on your device and approve the transaction. All signing occurs on the hardware device.
10. Use Advanced Features
Ledger Live also supports:
- Swapping between supported crypto assets via integrated services
- Staking (for supported blockchains) to earn rewards while your funds remain secured
- Viewing NFTs (on supported chains) within your accounts
- Connecting to decentralized applications (dApps) via WalletConnect or integration bridges—always approve interactions manually on device
11. Keep Firmware & Software Updated
Security improvements and new coin support come via updates. Ledger Live will notify you when:
- Your device firmware needs upgrading
- You need to update the Ledger Live app itself
Install updates only when your device is connected. Always verify authenticity and never interrupt the process.
12. Best Practices & Security Reminders
- Only trust ledger.com and official subdomains for downloads and support.
- Your 24-word seed is your only backup—store it in multiple secure offline places (e.g. sealed envelope, metal plate), never digitally.
- Never enter your seed or private key into any software, website, or app—except on your hardware device during setup.
- Always verify addresses and transaction details on your device’s screen before approving.
- Test small transactions first—don’t send your entire balance in one go if uncertain.
- Beware of phishing: unsolicited emails or sites asking for your recovery phrase or seed are malicious.
- Do periodic audits: check which apps are installed, remove unused ones, and review settings.
13. Troubleshooting & Help
If you run into issues (device not recognized, “Add account” stuck, firmware update failing), try:
- Reconnect the USB / ensure cable works
- Restart Ledger Live and your computer / phone
- Use an alternate USB port or another computer
- Reinstall Ledger Live from the official site
- Search Ledger’s support knowledge base or open a support ticket
14. Next Steps & Exploration
Now that you’re set up, spend some time exploring:
- View your portfolio dashboard
- Try receiving a small test amount of crypto
- Explore staking or swapping features
- Connect to dApps or Web3 tools that interest you
Always stay cautious and keep security your top priority.